title: Completion rates of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in Quebec, Canada from 2006 to 2010.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations has been identified as a priority activity for reducing TB incidence. Treatment completion rates are usually far from the 80% target. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of individuals who obtained enough medication for standard LTBI treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec database, we extracted data on all prescriptions filled as part of the free anti-tuberculosis medication program. We calculated the proportion of patients who had obtained at least 270 doses among patients who had started treatment with isoniazid (INH), and the proportion of patients who had obtained at least 120 doses among patients who had started treatment with rifampin (RMP).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 2,895 patients who had started INH, 907 (31.3%) obtained at least 270 doses. Among the 373 patients who had started RMP, 242 (64.9%) obtained at least 120 doses. Women were more likely to stop INH treatment before acquiring 270 doses of the medication than men (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.17).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only 31.3% of patients who started treatment with INH had procured at least 270 doses. Completion rates are far below target values.
authors.affiliation: Direction de santé publique, Agence de la santé et des services sociaux, Montréal, QC, Canada. privest@santepub-mtl.qc.ca
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rivest
authors.forename: Maria-Constanza
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Street
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Allard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011792:Quebec; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin
keywords: Tuberculosis; adherence; compliance; isoniazid; treatment